Barbara Jean Butler

70. Barbara was an identical twin, born with her sister Ann M. Butler, on March 9, 1954,

in Cocoa Beach, Florida to Al & Jean Butler. Ann and Barbara had four older brothers:

Tom and Dick (also identical twins), Frank, and Al. Barbara died just four days after her

sister Ann. They entered this world just minutes apart and left the world just hours

apart, which somehow seems fitting for sisters who were inseparably close all their

lives.

Barbara attended Cocoa Beach High School and went on to earn an associate degree

from Brevard County Community College. Thanks to Barbara’s adventurous mother,

Barbara had many travel adventures throughout her life. She visited many places in the

United States, but also traveled to Cuba, the Holy Land, Europe, and even Asia.

Barbara worked as a clerk for Rockwell International and had other work pursuits

throughout her life.

Barbara lived most of her life in Cocoa Beach, Florida and was involved her in parish

there. More than twenty years ago, however, her brother Tom invited Barbara (and her

sister) to move to Cleveland to be closer to family. Barbara relished the opportunity to

be part of the network of Butlers and Semples in the Cleveland area. Barbara also was

a faithful member of St. Christopher’s parish and served as a Eucharistic Minister,

attended the rosary group, and participated in other parish activities.

Barbara also enjoyed watching sports and often wowed us all with her impressive recall

of stats for teams and individual players! She was devoted to her favorite teams and

players, and unwavering in her love and support for her family. She too never missed a

chance to wish one of her loved ones a happy birthday. Often Ann was the first one to

send the message, but Barbara was never far behind.

Like her sister, Barbara took great delight in family bonds. Each of Barbara’s nieces

and nephews has fond memories of her participating in family activities like swimming in

the pool in Cocoa Beach or watching the cousins put on “shows” for the family. Barbara

was happiest when she was included in the fun, but always humble, she never needed

to be the star of the show.

Barbara’s disposition was quiet, gentle, and sweet. She also had a wonderful sense of

humor, making us laugh right up until the end. She suffered enormously from cancer

the last few years of her life, but she never complained. She endured all of her

treatments and side effects so bravely and inspired us all with her patience, humility,

and steadfastness. She was so grateful for the support she received from everyone

who assisted her. Her brother, Dick, accompanied her to so many appointments and

treatments and always ensured she received the best medical care. Her life was

lengthened and improved in so many ways due to his care.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Al, her mother, Jean, her brother, Tom,

and her sister, Ann. She is survived by her brothers, Al, Frank, and Dick, her ten nieces

and nephews, and nineteen grand-nieces and grand-nephews Barbara's Funeral Mass is Monday at 11am with her twin sister Anne. Family will receive friends monday at St. Christopher Church 10 - 10:50 before mass!

Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.